CIVIC chiefs have hit back at claims of a "lack of respect" over plans to launch Southampton's Christmas Festival on the same day as Armistice day.

Instead, the city council said it has moved back its opening of the German Christmas Market until noon on Saturday, November 11, as a mark of respect.

A spokesperson said: "On Armistice Day and on Remembrance Sunday the festival will not commence until midday, rather than 10am.

"This will allow the two minute silence to be observed and the Remembrance service to take place, prior to the start of trading on each day.

"The Christmas festival again commences on the same weekend as in previous years, with last year’s event beginning on the 12 November.

"Next year’s event is scheduled to start on the 16 November."

The response comes after a backlash from Echo readers over the timing of this year's Christmas festivities.

Southampton's Christmas calendar will kick-off at noon on Saturday with the opening of the Christmas market in Above Bar pedestrian precinct.

This will be followed by the switching-on of the Christmas lights at 5pm.

Meanwhile, Armistice Day will be marked across the country with a two minutes silence at 11am on Saturday.

One reader said: "The council should be ashamed, it's Armistice Day.

"One more week considering it's too early and not Christmas yet would not have hurt to start their Xmas tack fest."

Another added: "And so begins the annual commercialised greed fest. Sheeple everywhere.

"Also a disgrace that this starts on Armistice Day. Society has no respect these days."

However, not all readers agreed.

One reader said: "Yes it will be Armistice Day on the November 11 and i would hope that the whole country observes a two minutes silence at 11am.

"But why then is there no outcry that the shops are open, football matches will be played all over the country.

"Where do you draw the line?"

As previously reported in the Echo, Southampton will have its Remembrance Service on Sunday, November 12.

The event, conducted by the Mayor's Chaplain, John Attenborough, will take place at the city's Cenotaph from 10.55am.

Mr Attenborough, who is also the Port Chaplain for the Mission to Seafarers, will be assisted by representatives of the Churches and Faith Communities of the City.

All are welcome to attend the event.